
Classic Car Bodyshells
At Chiltern Blast Cleaning, we have extensive experience of working on a wide range of Classic Cars and bodyshells. We apply this knowledge to each individual shell, ensuring that the right techniques are applied, and through discussing with our customers, formulate the most effective plan of action before, during and after the vehicle is with us. This includes how much underseal or filler needs removing, post blasting protective primers and discussing weak spots/panels and how best to approach these.
A number of prestigious restoration companies trust us with their bodyshell blasting, as well as members of the public on their own restoration projects. You can find several examples of bodyshells we have worked on in our gallery

Bodyshells need to be fully stripped of all glass, interior, running gear and anything else that does not leave us with the bare shell. Due to the nature of the blasting process, we cannot guarantee the integrity of anything that is left on the vehicle while it is with us. If possible, it is better for the bodyshell to be on some form of rotisserie or frame, that allows us to move and turn the vehicle easily.
We use a medium-fine glass grit for the blast cleaning process, which after many years of trying different types of blasting media,we have found to be the most effective. It is coarse enough to strip off paint, rust and body filler, but still gentle enough, so that when combined with our experienced operators, working at appropriate blasting pressures, does not cause significant damage or warp any critical panels.


As the bodyshell cleaning progresses, it is common to find areas of filler, and other previous repair work that was not previously clear. If, and when we find these, we will communicate with you in regards to the best way to progress.
Underseal can also be very difficult, and sometimes impossible to completely remove. However, if any corrosion is hiding under these coats, then the blasting will find the weak areas and remove the sealer.
Unless specified, it isn't actually necessary to remove all of the underseal - if the blasting process can't remove it, then it probably isn't ever coming off!
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​Once the bodyshell has been blasted of all old paint, corrosion and any other contaminants, we then clean out the shell of as much of the blasting media and dust etc as possible, ready to have a coat of primer.
Large flat panels, like bonnets and doors, can be at risk of distortion, when being blast cleaned if not handled correctly.
To mitigate this risk, we leave a small square patch in the middle of the panels, where they are weakest, if we have any concerns over them. We clean all of the seams, guttering & structural work, leaving just the middle of the panel, which can then easily be flatted back, manually.


We can offer two types of primer after the shell, and panels have been blast cleaned, which we will discuss with you through the enquiry stage.
1) Zinc phosphate/zinc based holding primers - generally effective for 6-12 months while any repair work that is required is carried out. They are semi-weldable, and can be used as a base for further coatings as projects progress, so are perfect for this purpose
2) Body work restoration primers such as ‘Novol’ & Mipa -We can also offer primers specifically developed for this purpose. They are water based products, that are fully workable, weldable and compatible with further coatings, used within automotive finishing & restoration.